Energy Management that regularly exceed their quota must increase their capacity or take energy saving measures to reduce their maximum demand. Measuring maximum demand is not straightforward. It’s not a simple case of comparing your maximum active power consumption in kW with your ASC. As the ASC incorporates active power in kW and reactive power in kvar, you will need an understanding of your use of both active and reactive power. A reputable energy consultancy with consumption data management services will be able to assist. 1. Understand your existing capacity agreement It’s important to prepare for DCP161 as soon as possible by gaining a firm understanding of what level your agreed capacity is set at, and to look at your history to see whether you have frequently hit or exceeded your ASC. This will identify whether DCP161 presents a risk. If you understand the implications of the new legislation, you can start to explore ways of
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avoiding and reducing the additional costs, where possible, and budget accordingly. 2. Limit your power usage Reducing your electricity usage, particularly your peak demand, could be a very effective method of countering charges. This will also reduce your overall electricity costs, so could provide a double benefit. If there’s no scope to reduce your overall demand, it might be possible to change your patterns of energy consumption to avoid hitting your capacity limit. 3. Don’t set your ASC too high It may be tempting to increase your ASC to avoid the risk of incurring penalties, but you will have to pay for any unused capacity, which could work out more expensive. Consider the future growth or possible contraction plans for your organisation and how this may impact on your capacity requirements. It is possible to apply to the DNO at any time to raise or reduce
your ASC, although there may be limitations under the terms of your local DNO. 4. Beware new meters More organisations are making the move from non-half hourly to half-hourly meters, which has been driven by the recent P272 regulations that have forced certain energy consumers to make the switch. It is especially important for these organisations to gain a firm understanding of their ASC and to ensure that it aligns properly with their existing and predicted future energy demand. 5. Build capacity planning into your energy strategy Capacity planning must form an essential element of your energy strategy. It should be reviewed regularly and monitored carefully as a key part of your energy procurement, management and monitoring activities. Further information: www.inprovaenergy.com, Email: info@inprovaenergy.com, Tel: 0330 166 4444
Energy Management
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